They say a paradox is truth standing on its head to attract attention. It’s defined as “a seemingly contradictory statement that is nevertheless true.”
Listen to the accusation against some early followers of Jesus: “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” (Acts 17:6)
It seemed that way! Their leader was proclaimed to be a king, but disguised as a carpenter. His kingdom was unseen, He said. It wouldn’t be gained by land conquest, but set up in people’s hearts.
To establish this kingdom—unlike other conquerors—He would shed His own blood, not the blood of others. In fact, the symbol of His empire would be a cross, the instrument of the most vile death imaginable!
Even more confounding, Jesus was a living paradox Himself, proving to be both God and man! As the prophet Isaiah predicted, “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given…And His name will be called…Mighty God.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Jesus taught that the greatest person isn’t the one with the most servants, but the one who serves the most. “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35, BSB)
The path to this greatness? “Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)
And Jesus’ secret for success? “Give, and it will be given to you.” (Luke 6:38) It’s not by getting but by giving that we become truly rich. Of course, God doesn’t always deal in U.S. currency! Sometimes He enriches us with godly children, good friends, blessed ministries, and by growing grace in our hearts.
In fact, said the Lord, on that Day when our lives are assessed, don’t be surprised if “some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.” (Luke 13:30, BSB)
So what secrets will bring us into such a wonderful life?
First, heaven isn’t for good people. It’s for sinners! Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32, KJV) No one is good enough for heaven, but thankfully, “Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3), and salvation is a gift offered to all who “Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15, NIV)
Second, if you really want to live, you have to die! “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20, NIV) We must die to our own selfish desires if we want to live in the richness of new life in Christ.
Can I do this on my own? No. Paul wrote, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10, BSB) That’s why the Lord tells us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (v 9)
So there you have it. Those who find the keys to these paradoxes change them from contradictions to convictions, and will themselves become paradoxes: a sinner who has become a saint, a weak one who is strong, great through humble service, rich through giving, and truly living because we die.
Jesus is the key. In Him, we can do the impossible, find the unsearchable, know the inscrutable, and love the unlovable.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Christian paradox!
Article by Jabe Nicholson first published in the Commercial Dispatch, Saturday, February 22, 2025.